Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Let Us Find Our Rest in Thee

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, first published in 1744 as part of Hymns for the Nativity of our Lord, it was written by the "Bard of Methodism", Charles Wesley (1707-1788). It is set to the tune, Stuttgart by German composer, Christian Friedrich Witt (1660-1716), first published in 1715 as part of Psalmodia Sacra. Another popular tune used in hymnals is Hyfrydol. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus is used during Advent.



COME, THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUS by Charles Wesley, 1744 (Public Domain)

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal
Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.